 ® |
 |
® |
Chronology
|
|||||||||||
|
Timeline 1960 Formation of No. 1 Training Unit (precursor to 1RLI) Formation (resurrection) of C (Rhodesia) Squadron SAS Belgium grants independence to its Congo colony, resulting in chaos Formation of ZAPU (Zimbabwe African People's Union) under Joshua Nkomo 1961 1RLI formed on 1 February Congo Emergency and collapse of Katangese secessionist government 1962 1RLI move to new barracks in Cranborne, Salisbury Her Majesty, The Queen approves RLI's regimental badge Nationalists begin campaign of civil disorder, resulting in banning of ZAPU A-Company read more 1963 Her Majesty, The Queen, approves RLI's regimental colours in July Operation Zephyr and other minor operations initiated to counter increasing intimidation by nationalist agitators Rhodesian Nationalists split - ZANU formed by ZAPU dissenters led by Ndabaningi Sithole First ZANU (ZANLA) recruits undergo training in China Break-up of the Central African Federation in December RLI strength reduced to 200 men as a result of Federal 'golden handshake' and morale plummets 1964 First insurgent (ZANU's the 'Crocodile Gang') infiltration into Rhodesia in July Ian Smith becomes Rhodesian Prime Minister ZANU banned and Robert Mugabe detained Malawi and Zambia attain independence 1965 1RLI reformed as a commando battalion Lt-Col. G. P. Walls (CO 1RLI) introduces RLI green beret RLI receives colours from governor of Rhodesia, Sir Humphrey Gibbs in June RLI successfully 'commando-tested' in exercises Flick Knife and Long Drag Britain applies oil embargo on Rhodesia 1966 Harold Wilson, British PM, persuades UN to violate its own charter (Article 41) and impose sanctions on Rhodesia in April Op Pagoda - ZANU's first serious military infiltration into Rhodesia in May Op Yodel - RLI's first contact with ZANU insurgents at Chirundu in September RLI parachute club formed Smith and Wilson meet aboard HMS Tiger off Gibraltar in December. The talks end in failure Click here to read more 1967 Op Nickel - first major ZAPU incursion into Rhodesia in August Start of clandestine Rhodesian operations in Mozambique Arrival of South African Police (SAP) 1968 Op Cauldron - ZAPU's second major incursion and the blooding of the RLI in March Op Glove and capture of Moffat Hadebe in June Op Griffin - ZAPU's third major incursion in July Op Excess - ZAPU's fourth incursion in July Rhodesia hangs three insurgents for murder despite Queen's reprieve Talks between Wilson and Smith break down aboard HMS Fearless in October 1969 Rhodesia becomes a republic Samora Machel (Frelimo) grants Josiah Tongogara (ZANLA) permission to operate against Rhodesia from bases in Tete Province, Mozambique Sithole imprisoned for plotting to assassinate Smith Source: Alex Binda |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
® |
 |
A | website terms | Privacy Policy | Bank: FNB Woodbridge | Account Name: Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association.
Account Type: Current | Account Number: 62240919756 | Branch Code: 205609 |
Bank Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ contact rakp@mweb.co.za for subs and financial issues |